Condo vs Townhouse: Key Differences to Help You Decide What’s Best

Making the wisest decision in terms of choosing what is best between condo vs townhouse can be an intimidating task. Both types of homes offer unique features and the final verdict will depend on an individual’s preferences and needs. In this article, we’ll scrutinize the key difference between a condo vs townhouse to help guide you in choosing which one best suits your situation.

What is a Condo?

A condominium, simply referred to as a condo, is a housing type wherein a bigger building, usually mid or high-rise, is subdivided into individual units with separate owners. In this type of home living, condo owners share common areas such as hallways, elevators, and sometimes amenities like swimming pools, gyms, and function halls with other residents.

Additionally, condo buildings are managed by a homeowners association (HOA) and it is responsible to ensure that all the shared amenities and common areas are well-maintained and that all the condo owners will have peaceful living inside the building.

Key Features Condo Owners Look For

Condo Ownership

Condominium owners prefer to purchase this type of property as they will own the space and interior of the condo unit. However, the ownership of the land where it is built remains with the property developer.

Costs

Owning real estate property such as a condo unit may be generally more affordable than owning a townhouse since the square footage is much smaller. This also entails that there is lesser spending on property taxes for a condo vs townhouse.

Privacy

A condo owner has a private space bound by the corners of his unit, which offers seclusion and personal comfort. You also have the option to look for the best floor so you can maximize your privacy and lessen interactions with other residents. Likewise, most modern condos tend to have soundproofing mechanisms in their walls, adding to the layer of privacy that condo owners will enjoy.

Security

Condos have security systems in place, such as dedicated security personnel available round the clock, CCTV cameras in shared spaces, and policies for visitors and guests. This provides residents and tenants with safety and security.

Maintenance

Homeowners associations are responsible for the exterior maintenance and upkeep of common areas in the condo building. They ensure everything is clean and sanitized, including regular trash removal in the garbage areas of the building. This lessens both your burden and expenses while enjoying a well-maintained living environment.

Amenities

Almost all of the condominium complexes. most especially those located in prime locations, offer a wide range of amenities. These include fitness centers, swimming pools, function halls, high-rise roof decks, and more. Condo units also usually come with parking spaces, depending on the contract with the building developer.

Lifestyle

As mentioned above, a lot of condos are located in urban areas. Thus, condo living has become perfect for young professionals as its proximity reduces their travel time to work and different centers, such as shopping malls, restaurants, entertainment halls, etc.

Check out these condos in Metro Manila now!

What is a Townhouse?

Unlike condos, townhouses or townhomes are a type of housing recently gaining popularity as they combine the advantages of community living with private property ownership. Structure-wise, these are multilevel residences attached to at least one or two walls of adjacent units beside them.

As it offers a compelling blend of space, community, and convenience, it has become an ideal real estate property for growing families nowadays.

Key Features Townhouse Owners Look For

Ownership

Unlike condos, townhome owners get the title to the entire property, including the land where the unit is built. As it is often built with multiple levels, this housing type offers more inhabitable spaces and makes it possible to build more rooms inside the house. Likewise, since the land is also with the townhouse owners, they have private outdoor space suitable for patios or yards.

Privacy

Compared with condos, townhomes offer more privacy as there are dedicated entrances and backyards.

Maintenance

Townhouse owners maintain the totality of their spaces, including internal and external. This may mean more maintenance costs compared with condominium units, as it will include the likes of landscaping, exterior painting, and roof repairs.

Amenities

While there may be fewer amenities compared with condos, townhouse owners usually have access to communal amenities such as pools, playgrounds, tennis courts, basketball courts, clubhouses, and more.

Townhouse Communities

Townhouse communities generally boast a blend of community living and privacy, as they are often located in rural areas. Most often, they also have homeowners associations that maintain the community and shared amenities and enforce community rules.

Explore these amazing townhouses options of Vista Land today!

Which One is the Best Option for You?

Coming up with the best choice in purchasing between a condo and a townhouse really depends on your needs and preferences. However, it is noteworthy to know that both a condo and a townhouse are generally more affordable than detached houses or a single-family home.

You may want to consider the following tips to guide you on which option will best suit your needs:

Lifestyle and Location

If you prefer more private living away from the hustle of the city, you may want to choose a townhouse. However, if you value access to prime locations and amenities, you may want to go with buying a condo.

Initial and Ongoing Costs

If you have the budget to shell out a bigger sum of money and pay less recurring costs, consider getting a townhouse. Meanwhile, if you want lesser cash out and can sustain paying generally higher ongoing fees, getting a condo may be a better option.

Plans for the Future

As a future home buyer and owner, you need to also consider your future plans. Living alone or with a few companions may be fit for a condo but planning to have a family may be more appropriate for the townhouse option.

Whether you opt for the convenience of a condo or the privacy of a townhouse, the most important thing is to find a place that you can call home.